The Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed senior legislator Chandra Mohan Patowary as the Pro Tem Speaker of the 16th Assam Legislative Assembly.

What is a Pro Tem Speaker?

• A Pro Tem Speaker is a temporary Speaker appointed to conduct the initial proceedings of a newly elected legislature.
  • The term “Pro Tem” means “for the time being.”
• The office of the pro tem speaker ceases to exist after the new Speaker of the House is chosen.
• The appointment is made by the Governor before the election of the regular Speaker.
• Functions of the Pro Tem Speaker: The Pro Tem Speaker mainly performs the following duties:
  • Administers oath or affirmation to newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly.
  • Presides over the first sitting of the Assembly.
  • Conducts the election process for the permanent Speaker of the House.

Constitutional and Legal Basis

• The Constitution does not specifically mention the term “Pro Tem Speaker.”
• The practice is based on:
  • Parliamentary conventions.
  • Powers of the Governor under:
    • Article 188 – Oath by Members of State Legislature.
    • Article 180 – Duties of Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
• Usually, the senior-most legislator is appointed as Pro Tem Speaker.

About Chandra Mohan Patowary

• Chandra Mohan Patowary, a seven-time legislator, will administer oaths to newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly.
• Election of the new Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly will also take place during the first session.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

1. Who appoints the Pro Tem Speaker of a State Legislative Assembly?
   (a) Chief Minister
   (b) Governor
   (c) Chief Justice of High Court
   (d) Election Commission

Answer: (b)

One-Line Wrap

The appointment of a Pro Tem Speaker is an important parliamentary convention that ensures the smooth functioning and constitutional continuity of a newly elected legislative assembly.

https://epaper.assamtribune.com/full-page-pdf/epaper/pdf/2026/05/15/the-assam-tribune/7518